[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH 2007

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                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 22, 2007

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 29, 
supporting the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month 2007.
  The strains on America's families are immense. Many parents work two 
and three jobs to put food on the table and provide medical care for 
their children. Sometimes, tragedy or medical emergency diminishes the 
support a child receives at home. The list of vulnerabilities children 
face is long.
  The worst circumstances, however, will bring out the best in 
humanity. When a need exists, society often leans in to help shoulder 
the load.
  Today we are celebrating the uncanny ability of Americans to lend a 
helping hand. Today on the House floor and this month across America, 
we honor those people who sacrifice their time and energy to provide a 
friendly face, a supportive shoulder, a patient ear, and a model for 
leadership and success in the form of mentoring relationships.
  According to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America, young people 
touched by mentors are more confident in their schoolwork performance, 
able to get along better with their families, 46 percent less likely to 
begin using illegal drugs, 27 percent less likely to begin using 
alcohol, and 52 percent less likely to skip school.
  In my district of El Paso, Texas, I have seen the positive impact of 
mentoring firsthand through my involvement with Big Brothers, Big 
Sisters of El Paso. The hundreds of individuals who step up either as 
big brothers and sisters or in support of the organization not only 
make a difference in the life of a child but also provide a model for 
civic involvement that can be emulated by the community at large.
  Mr. Speaker, on a daily basis, scores of organizations and millions 
of Americans provide the positive relationships that help a child gain 
the confidence and responsibility he or she needs to succeed.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.




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